Trump Just Destroyed Decades Of Efforts For Peace In The Middle East (VIDEO)

U.S. President turns back on conflict in the Middle East

U.S. President Donald Trump destroyed decades of efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East. Speaking at a press conference with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump turned his back on a two-decades old commitment to a two-state solution: a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Although Trump did not explicitly rule out a two-state solution, he did mention having absolutely no interest nor preference in regards to the final ­geography of the region. When asked about the two-state solution, Trump said,

“I’m looking at two-state and one-state and I like the one that both parties like. I’m very happy with the one that both parties like. I can live with either one… To be honest, if Bibi [Netanyahu] and the Palestinians, if Israel and the Palestinians are happy – I’m happy with the one they like the best.”

In addition, Trump also scolded Palestinians for “teaching their children to hate Israel” and reiterated his plan to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. And despite Trump reaffirming the U.S. commitment seeing a peace deal negotiated, his comments undermined one of the key pillars of the peace efforts that the United States has led since the Oslo Accords, and an essential position recognized by the international community. Undermining the two-state solution strategy could be counterproductive to Israel; as British politician, John Bercow, added

“Those who believe they can leave the two-state solution and replace it with one state and two systems, I don’t believe they can get away with it. It is impossible. I believe undermining the two-state solution is not a joke and that would be a disaster and tragedy for Israelis and Palestinians.”

UN Secretary General, António Guterres also voiced his disapproval. As quoted by The Guardian, Guterres declared there is no alternative solution to peace in the Middle East than the creation of two states. Yet, Trump’s change of rhetoric will provide Netanyahu with the support he needs to modify politics in his favour and against Palestine. Naftali Bennet, the leader of Israel’s pro-settler Jewish Home party hailed Trump’s comments in a tweet:

“Palestinian flag was removed from the staff and replaced with an Israeli flag.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu did not waste time and quickly embraced Trump’s comments to reiterate his two prerequisites in achieving peace with Palestine: that the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state and that Israel maintains security control over the entire West Bank.

With Mr. Trump drastically reorienting American policy, the hopes for peace in the Middle East fade quickly. Decades of U.S. and international efforts to move closer to a peaceful solution are being destroyed while the doors are opened wider still to continuous violations of international law and human rights by Israel. Especially now that Israel has realized that the U.S. with Donald Trump has lost all credibility,

From Mexico City, Carolina has lived in five different countries, experiences she defines as the most enriching. She has focused her studies and work on international conflicts and international security issues, diplomacy and protocol. Carolina holds two MA degrees and hopes to begin her PhD studies soon.